A fresh drive to boost Scouting in Northumberland has been backed by North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon who is to become Northumberland Scouts' first Scouting Ambassador.

Mary Glindon said "Scouting inspires young people and cultivates community and self-reliance but needs constant promotion to win new generations."

The invitation came from Stephen Fallon, the Head Teacher of St Stephen's Roman Catholic Primary School in Longbenton to celebrate the school's new Beaver Scout Colony and Cub Scout Pack - "excellent examples of Community Scouting in action” as he puts it.

District Commissioner Michael Scollins was delighted when two of the school's teaching assistants volunteered to become section leaders. The sections will meet after school as part of the school's extended provision, which makes life much easier for parents, leaders and the young people themselves.

Our County Commissioner, Mrs Gwyn McKenzie, commented: "The support of the Head Teacher, Governors and parents of St Stephen's School is vital to the success of this new Scouting provision. Everyone concerned deserves warmest congratulations. I look forward very much to watching these young people immerse themselves in the great game of Scouting. We are also extremely grateful to Mrs Glindon for accepting my invitation to be our first Scouting Ambassador in nNorthumberland. The support of high profile individuals such as Mrs Glindon is vital to us as we seek to bring the Scouting adventure to more and more young people."

Mrs Glindon, who was particularly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the young people, commented: "The Cubs and Beavers of St Stephen's showed great commitment and enthusiasm about the new and exciting programme of activities.  Being part of the Scout movement encourages their physical, mental, and spiritual development making for better and more constructive young citizens."

A Scouting Ambassador is not expected to work directly with young people. The role focuses on promoting the benefits of involvement in Scouting to young people, their parents and potential volunteers. Ambassadors are invited to key events and activities and encouraged to promote Scouting where appropriate.

We are currently identifying more high profile individuals to share the good news of Scouting in Northumberland in the role of Local Scouting Ambassador.  Watch this space!

Have a look at the newest members of the 7th Longbenton Scout Group by clicking here

County Administration

It is with much pride that we announce that our Sea Scouts have won FIRST PRIZE in a National Coastal Safety Competition.

This competition is organised by our National Association in conjunction with The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) under the banner of “Stay safe and have fun at the Coast”.

The project entailed our members learning about the need to be aware of the weather, tides and currents, lifeguards, swimming and safety flags, inflatable boats and toys, Cliffs and coastal walking and very importantly- Keeping in touch.
After several weeks of training, our Sea Scouts completed a Coastal Hike, commencing at  Hollywell Dene back to Tynemouth Haven via St. Mary`s Island.  During the treck they observed the many hazards which the Coast Line holds, such as dangerous Cliff Tops, Rockpooling and Tombstoning. 

Most of these were captured on film and can be viewed on our District Website www.tynemouthscouts.org.uk.  Click on Groups then onto 19th Tynemouth (9th Tyne) Sea Scouts. The final accolade was a visit to Radio Newcastle Studios where a small representative body of Sea Scouts underwent voice production training prior to making a live recording hosted by presenters, Marian Foster and Ingrid Hademann.  

As part of the competition submission, the Sea Scouts said they would like to use the CD to visit other interested Groups in order to help educate others on “How to stay safe and have fun at the Coast”.  Any interested Leaders should contact Jonny Holliday on 266 9418 or e.mail him jonny@the-hollidays.co.uk to arrange a suitable spot and time in your programme.

Any Group Leaders who may be interested in their Scouts entering this year`s competition can find out more from Joanne Groenenberg, MCA Campaigns coordinator Joanne.groenenberg@mcga.gov.uk or Sally Hinton at Gillwell.

If there are any questions about the census please do let me know.

Regards,

Steve Moysey
Appointments and Awards Manager
The Scout Association

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a new tourist attraction based in Northumberland called Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens.
The North East’s newest animal tourist attraction, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, has seen a very successful start with thousands of visitors enjoying all the attraction has to offer this summer.

The attraction, which is based at Northumberland College’s stunning land based campus Kirkley Hall in Ponteland, was officially opened in May.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of animals, a petting barn, a rolling programme of kids’ activities, children’s play areas, a forest trail and garden walks, picnic areas and a quaint tea room and gift shop selling a range of animal related toys and local produce and crafts.

The attraction is run by Northumberland College’ s animal care staff and students and not only serves as a great tourist attraction for the general public but also a fantastic realistic learning environment.

It is designed to give visitors the experience of not only seeing the animals but learning about them and their natural habitats too. The animal encounter sessions give visitors the opportunity to learn more about some species and experience handling them as well and this has been extremely popular. The signage has also been widely praised

as being easy to read yet highly informative.

There are a wide range of animals including pygmy marmosets, emus, alpacas, meerkats, pygmy goats, white tufted ear marmosets, reptiles, exotic birds and wallabies.

Throughout the summer there have been many new additions to the animals with two of the pygmy goats giving birth, Jet to Kevin and Ruby to baby Gary. Staff also welcomed new animals to the centre including three white tufted ear marmosets and five prairie dogs.  Animals already at the centre and soon to be on display include Coatis, Lemur and Porcupine.

There are lots of themed events planned throughout the year to keep everyone entertained, with various activities throughout the winter months, details of which can be found on the Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens website.

Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is open weekends and school holidays and The Orangery Tea Room and Gift Shop is open seven days a week, all year round.

If you are interested in arranging a visit please contact jenny.cairns@northland.ac.uk or for more information

See our website www.kirkleyhallzoo.co.uk